Back Then

My series of oil paintings titled “Back Then” focuses on the magic found in the everyday moments of childhood, specifically, the intimate moments of play that shaped a generation growing up in the United States during the early 2000s. This body of work is a personal statement on my own memories, but also acts as an invitation for viewers to reconnect with their own pasts. Through these paintings, I aim to evoke feelings of nostalgia and reflection as each piece serves as a remembrance of our shared childhood.

I chose oil paint as my primary medium for its ability to convey both precision and spontaneity. Oils allow me to build layers, blend vibrant color palettes, and create texture that mirrors the nuanced memory itself. The process also mirrors the way I recall childhood. With a mess of bright colors, toys, and textures, it is not always perfectly clear, but as color, movement, and texture come together, all of a sudden, it begins to feel familiar. 

“Back Then” is not just about childhood itself but the lens through which we remember it. It’s about capturing not only what it looked like to be a kid but what it felt like.